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Religious Studies (MA)

Program Objectives

  1. Exhibit an understanding of hermeneutical principles by using proper methodology in biblical interpretation.
  2. Build a strong emphasis on understanding the Bible.
  3. Recognize and evaluate in light of biblical revelation the major schools of thought in historical and contemporary theology.
  4. State and defend a worldview that is consistent with biblical revelation and stated in theological terms.

Graduate with MA

Following completion of the MA in the Spring of the academic year, a student would then be eligible to continue on into the Ph.D. program in the Fall of the same year, provided they completed the MA degree with a GPA of 2.9 (B-) or better.

Program Requirements

Requirement Hours
Core Curriculum 27
Concentration 15
Total Hours 42
Core Curriculum
ATH 613Theological Research & Writing (must be taken in first year)3
BI 501Old Testament Bi 5013
BI 502New Testament Bi 5023
TH 503Systematic Theology I3
TH 513Systematic Theology II3
TH 601History of Christian Thought I3
TH 602History of Christian Thought II3
TH 607Hermeneutics3
ATH 698Religious Studies Capstone3
Subtotal27
Religious Studies Bible/Theology Requirements
Select three of the following courses with BI/TH prefix:9
Isaiah
BI 604
BI 605
Romans
BI 615
BI 616
Survey of Genesis
Subtotal9
Religious Studies Electives
Select two of the following courses with BI/TH, ATH, L, SP prefix:6
Introduction to Pastoral Care ATh
ATH 602
Ethics and Society ATh 603
Ethics of Pastoral Leadership
Spiritual Formation ATh 614
Introduction to Global Chaplaincy
Prison/Jail Chaplaincy
Ministry Response to Crises and
Grief and Loss Counseling
ATH 623
Expository Preaching
SP 615
Women in Theology
Introduction to World Religions
Subtotal6
Total Hours42

Course Cycle

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
Fall Semester (August)Hours
ATH 613 Theological Research & Writing 3
BI 501 Old Testament Bi 501 3
TH 503 Systematic Theology I 3
BI/THCourse 3
 Hours12
Spring Semester (January)
TH 607 Hermeneutics 3
BI 502 New Testament Bi 502 3
TH 513 Systematic Theology II 3
 Hours9
Year Two
Fall Semester (August)
TH 601 History of Christian Thought I 3
BI/THCourse 3
BI/THElective 3
 Hours9
Spring Semester (January)
TH 602 History of Christian Thought II 3
BI/THCourse 3
BI/THElective 3
ATH 698 Religious Studies Capstone 3
 Hours12
 Total Hours42